Stop and frisk, a policing tactic that disproportionately targeted Black and brown men, was found unconstitutional in 2013 after a lengthy legal battle. However, former President Donald Trump wants to bring it back, claiming it is necessary for public safety. Many Black men, including author Travis Hunter, have experienced the negative impact of stop and frisk, leading to feelings of violation and distrust of law enforcement.
Despite claims of wanting to appeal to Black voters, Trump’s support for stop and frisk has raised concerns among both Black conservatives and liberals. Some believe that the policy, if implemented correctly with proper police training, could be effective in certain high-crime areas. However, others argue that it has a negative impact on communities of color and perpetuates racial discrimination.
Studies have shown that stop and frisk led to high levels of anxiety and stress among individuals who were stopped, with a disproportionate number being innocent people of color. U.S. District Judge Shira A. Scheindlin ruled that the practice was unconstitutional and racially discriminatory. The Trump administration’s push for the reinstatement of stop and frisk has raised concerns about civil rights violations and increased tension between communities of color and law enforcement.
While it remains unclear how a nationwide stop and frisk policy would be executed, experts warn of the potential negative consequences and impact on marginalized communities. Trump’s support for the policy while simultaneously trying to court Black voters has been criticized as contradictory and harmful to communities of color. Promises by Joe Biden to address police misconduct and reform suggest an alternative approach to public safety that does not rely on discriminatory practices like stop and frisk.
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